MS Columbus

A Hapag director designed the world’s first cruise: in winter 1891 – when the Transatlantic line was not running – Albert Ballin sent the passenger ship “Augusta Victoria” to sunny waters. The idea of an ocean cruise for the sheer pleasure of it quickly caught on and the cruise industry has not stopped growing since.

Hapag-Lloyd is not only the originator of the cruise, but also one of the world’s leading transport and logistics companies. Founded more than 150 years by Hanseatic merchants, the company has been part of the TUI Group since 1997. The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises division is one of the leading cruise organisers in the German-speaking realm.

Four ships in the luxury, premium and expedition categories make up the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet. Each ship has its own distinctive character. The EUROPA, the only cruise ship to be awarded the 5-star-plus predicate by the Berlitz Cruise Guide, is pure luxury. The expedition ships HANSEATIC (5-star) and BREMEN (4-star) go on adventures on the seven seas. The premium ship COLUMBUS (3-star-plus) focuses on relaxing enjoyment.

English language Cruises

Throughout its 2009/10 and 2010/11 programmes, Hapag-Lloyd offers English language cruises – on all 4 ships, taking in a wide selection of their itineraries, and a wide range of destinations. Consult your local LCA cruise specialist travel agent for details.

MS EUROPA: 5-star-plus

The EUROPA, the flagship of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet is considered by many to be the world’s finest yacht. In 2009, for the ninth year running, it was again placed top by the prestigious Berlitz Cruise Guide. On it, a maximum of 408 passengers travel in exclusive comfort. Spaciously laid out, the service is first-class. There are four restaurants, a fitness area with a large swimming pool and a practice area for golfers. The four exclusive SPA suites are new. MS EUROPA offers exclusive and quite private wellness oases on the high seas. An illuminated whirlpool with ocean view, a rain shower with lateral jets and scent lamps filled with essential oils give guests a wellness holiday within their own four walls. In the adjoining OCEAN SPA, a new lighting concept, Asian designs and wall mosaics now exude a relaxing atmosphere. Prominent experts accompany theme cruises to talk on pleasure, music, gardening and culture – for example, three-star chef Dieter Müller joins a cruise focusing on the “truffle season”. During the summer season, family holidays with an extensive children’s programme provide vacationing fun for three generations.

MS HANSEATIC: 5-star

The HANSEATIC, according to Berlitz Cruise Guide, is the world’s only 5-star expedition ship. It combines the adventure of global expedition and study cruises with first-class comfort: spacious cabins with Internet connection, gourmet cuisine and fitness area offer relaxation and enjoyment. The highest ice class gives the maximum of 184 passengers the opportunity to travel to remote destinations in polar waters. Its shallow draft means it can also sail on rivers like the Amazon. On expedition cruises are up to 5 lecturers from various fields of knowledge on board. The top-flight experts provide exciting talks, deliver spellbinding background information and accompany the Zodiacs trips as well as shore excursions and individual walks. Besides expedition cruises, MS HANSEATIC also has special study cruises on its programme: Under the heading “Expedition Knowledge”, it rediscovers classic destinations including “landscape gardening” and “Mediterranean culture”.

MS BREMEN: 4-star

The BREMEN is all about expedition cruises at an affordable price. Bearing the highest ice class, it travels through polar waters and exotic regions, offering excursions with a study character. Its shallow draft means it can visit the smallest ports, bays and rivers. Guests travel in a select group of a maximum of 164 passengers. The service on board is attentive and friendly, the atmosphere is informal and cosy. Experts accompanying the cruises provide in-depth knowledge about the spectacular natural phenomena along the way.

 

MS COLUMBUS: 3-star-plus

Not only the atmosphere is relaxed and sporty, but also the dress code on board the COLUMBUS, the ideal ship for those embarking on their first cruise. The on-board programme features the latest equipment - Internet and free e-mail access, top-quality fitness apparatus, sauna and swimming pool – and an active programme and musical entertainment till late at night. Whether the à la carte menu or the buffet – the cuisine in the two restaurants is consistently excellent and is varied by the addition of a never-ending succession of local specialities. The 3-star-plus ship in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet, built in 1997, has room for 420 passengers. It sails to more than 200 ports on five continents every year.